DOCS. 100, 101 JULY 1915 115 extremely precise, conscientious, and critical of his own work, so that the results of his research can always be looked upon as reliable and deserving of serious consideration. Furthermore, Piccard is a man of exactitude and integrity who does not tolerate obscure and vague statements. Also as a person I consider him highly cultured, fine, and disciplined. He is a man capable and worthy of the post you have to fill. Now, with all due respect and sympathy, the obverse. Piccard has not yet demonstrated that he has an inquiring mind. He has as yet assigned himself no new physical problems, has thought up no new approach to research. His accomplishment always lay in the technical perfection of already existing research methods. The acute mind that inspired Piccard’s research is easily traced to P. Weiss.[6] With this I do not want to contend that Piccard lacks the ability to find new paths independently; only, until now he has not provided the proof, and he is still a young man. Piccard certainly is a competent researcher and teacher, but I am unable to foretell whether he can be a stimulating and invigorating influence on physical research. In any case, none of the other young Swiss physicists can come under consideration next to Piccard. When I now consider the younger physicists of Switzerland and abroad, I come to the conclusion, completely disregarding the unfavorable conditions brought on by the deplorable war: If a Piccard is among one’s number, he must be given a professorship.- I am coming shortly to Zurich and shall inquire by telephone whether you want to speak with me. Very respectfully, A. Einstein. 101. To Heinrich Zangger [Sellin, between 24 July and 7 August 1915][1] Dear friend Zangger, You can hardly imagine how comforting it is to me that you are attending to my children so kindly. I am also very happy to hear that you have not forgotten me completely. Now I leave it entirely to you to fix the time for my trip to Zurich since, as you know, I am totally free. My youngest has unfortunately turned out a bit weak; it is to be hoped he will gradually develop for the better. But nature has endowed him instead with a kindhearted and cheerful disposition, more than my Albert, who cannot adapt himself so easily to everything.